A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lake Garda vs. Dubrovnik for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lake Garda or Dubrovnik?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Lake Garda or Dubrovnik? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a energetic, scenic, and playful lake. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a charming, famous, and cultural coastal town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Lake Garda and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lake Garda or Dubrovnik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubrovnik. Although Lake Garda and Dubrovnik are both popular with visitors, Dubrovnik has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dubrovnik is more popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Lake Garda is known for its nightlife and beaches. Dubrovnik is more touristy than Lake Garda and is known for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. It is also home to The Old Town Walls. Lake Garda is popular for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks.

How is Lake Garda different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dubrovnik and Lake Garda. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lake Garda or Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Dubrovnik offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lake Garda. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

Is the Food Better in Lake Garda or Dubrovnik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubrovnik is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Dubrovnik is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

Dining out in Lake Garda is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Is Lake Garda or Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

Lake Garda is a great lake for its evening party scene. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Lake Garda has something for everybody. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dubrovnik. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is Lake Garda or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Dubrovnik is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Lake Garda is not a resort destination.

Dubrovnik is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

Lake Garda is not a resort destination.

Is Lake Garda or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lake Garda is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Lake Garda is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lake Garda or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Lake Garda is a great lake for the beach. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its beaches.

Lake Garda is considered a top beach destination. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Many people head to Dubrovnik to enjoy the beach. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Is Lake Garda or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is terrific for its old town. However, Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Dubrovnik has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Is Lake Garda or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Lake Garda and Dubrovnik both have high quality trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Lake Garda. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dubrovnik. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Lake Garda or Dubrovnik?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Lake Garda and Dubrovnik.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lake Garda. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Many visitors go to Dubrovnik to go shopping. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Lake Garda or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Lake Garda is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Lake Garda is a very family-friendly destination. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

Dubrovnik is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

Is Lake Garda or Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

Dubrovnik is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Dubrovnik makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

Couples visit Lake Garda frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Is Lake Garda or Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Dubrovnik is extremely popular for backpackers. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

Lake Garda is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

Is Lake Garda or Dubrovnik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lake Garda is a great lake for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.

The public transit in Lake Garda can get you to most places easily. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

Dubrovnik has a few public transit options. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Is Lake Garda or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Dubrovnik. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls on foot.

Lake Garda is a very walkable destination. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Lake Garda Worth Visiting? and Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Lake Garda?

How long in Lake Garda or Dubrovnik?

In either Lake Garda or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubrovnik than Lake Garda because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Lake Garda, and 1-5 days is enough time in Dubrovnik.

Families should spend more time in Dubrovnik than Lake Garda. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dubrovnik, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Dubrovnik than Lake Garda. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dubrovnik that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubrovnik than Lake Garda if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Dubrovnik.

One day in Lake Garda or Dubrovnik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the lake of Lake Garda. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and nightlife around the charming coastal town of Dubrovnik, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubrovnik, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Lake Garda or Dubrovnik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun destination of Lake Garda. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this lake has to offer. This lake offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Dubrovnik, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Lake Garda or Dubrovnik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic lake of Lake Garda. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Dubrovnik, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Lake Garda or Dubrovnik?

Lake Garda is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Dubrovnik is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lake Garda and Dubrovnik, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dubrovnik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubrovnik and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda than you might in Dubrovnik.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lake Garda Expensive? and Is Dubrovnik Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Lake Garda or Dubrovnik?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lake Garda or Dubrovnik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake Garda and Dubrovnik. The summer months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

In the summer, Lake Garda is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lake Garda in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In July, Lake Garda usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Lake Garda gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lake Garda or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lake Garda as well as Dubrovnik. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lake Garda is generally cooler than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Lake Garda average around 14°C (57°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Lake Garda usually gets less rain in October than Dubrovnik. Lake Garda gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lake Garda or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

Both Dubrovnik and Lake Garda are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lake Garda for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lake Garda. Lake Garda is much colder than Dubrovnik in the winter. The daily temperature in Lake Garda averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In January, Lake Garda usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Lake Garda gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lake Garda or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

Both Dubrovnik and Lake Garda during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lake Garda in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Lake Garda is cooler than Dubrovnik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lake Garda in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lake Garda usually gets less rain in April than Dubrovnik. Lake Garda gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Lake Garda